129. Sumba Destination Elopement with Bride Laura Mohi Ryan

Join THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving lately.This week, I’m joined by Laura Mohi Ryan, founder of Wild Pilates, and recent bride. We’re chatting all about her somewhat unconventional wedding-planning journey.Laura and her husband Liam had been together for 14 years. Instead of planning a big wedding straight away, they ended up doing something that suited them perfectly, an epic Indonesian elopement on Sumba Island, just the two of them, plus a photographer and videographer who flew over from Bali.We chat about:💜 How Laura and Liam met, and the Italy proposal that totally shocked her (in the best way)💜 Why they stayed engaged for a couple of years and how that shaped their wedding choices💜 The “write your list separately” exercise that helped them figure out what actually mattered💜 Deciding to elope, not inviting anyone, and why they didn’t tell family and friends until afterwards💜 What their wedding day looked like on Sumba Island, from ocean swims to vows on the sand💜 Finding her dream two-piece outfit at LVR Bridal, plus the veil moment she didn’t see coming💜 Doing her own hair and makeup, and the one thing she recommends if you have to DIY it💜 The best way to tell friends and family afterwards (and why a few sneak peek photos helped)💜 Budgeting for an elopement without it quietly turning into the cost of a small wedding anyway💜 Laura’s advice for couples planning right now, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed💜 A little intro to Wild Pilates and her healthy, realistic approach to feeling good in your body leading up to a wedding…and so much more!Follow Laura:@wildpilates@lauramohiryan Let me know what you think of this episode!You can check out photos from Laura and Liam’s wedding over on Instagram - and make sure you are following ⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast ⁠⁠Follow Lydia ⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠ Find all L & L’s amazing vendors:Location, Celebrant & Catering: @thesanubariPhotographer: @imanperdana Videographer:  @alokjosaphat Bride’s Outfit: @lvr_bridal Bride’s Shoes: @paris__georgia Groom’s Outfit: @porterjamessports Groom’s Shoes: @drmartensnewzealand Rings: @colinbartlett Makeup & Hair: Bride @lauramohiryanPre-wedding makeup lesson: @katesolleymakeupAlso featured on Together Journal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.